Gadsden, Ala. police have two high-tech, drone-like spy planes: Why?

(CBS/AP) GADSDEN, Ala. - Why does the city of Gadsden, Alabama - population roughly 40,000 - have two unmanned aerial vehicles...as in, drones?

The police chief is wondering the very same thing.

Gadsden Police Chief John Crane tells The Gadsden Times he just learned two weeks ago his department in northern Alabama has had two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since 2010.

The revelation came to light after the Federal Aviation Administration released a list of agencies certified to fly drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. Turns out the Gadsden Police Department was on the list.

Crane, who was named police chief in February, says he doesn't know why the UAVs were purchased. The cost was about $150,000, paid through a federal law enforcement grant.

We're guessing a congress-type-person might somehow be involved.

Crane says the police department's UAVs, which have video surveillance capability, haven't been used because there hasn't been a need for them.

Whew, close call for Gadsden!